Eden blows away winter blues

The Eden Project is banishing the winter blues with spectacular displays of blazing oranges and yellows inside the world-famous Biomes.

The Mediterranean Biome right now is a kaleidoscope of colour as plants from more temperate climates burst into flower and citrus trees are laden with fruit. The South Africa section is proving a magnet for visitors, with the fiery orange candelabra flowers of the giant aloes.

Soon to come through are the flowering annuals such as cape daisies and the more perennial gazanias, sprinkling vibrant colour across one of Eden's most-photographed horticultural areas.

In the neighbouring citrus grove, the scent of the orange blossom is exquisite with many varieties of trees now bearing fruit, including clementines, blood oranges and grapefruit. Gardeners are also anticipating the arrival of the spectacular peach and nectarine blossom in the Biome’s orchard area.

Temperate Supervisor Glen Leishman said: "Spring comes early to the Mediterranean Biome and there is so much already in flower.

More than 50 types of plant are in bloom at the moment and, combined with the exotic scents and the background birdsong, just having a wander around is an assault on the senses, giving everyone a real lift, especially when it can be cold and grey outside.

The grand architectural plants like the aloes are a big draw for visitors. We have eight different types and several are now flower. Aloe ferox, with its long fingers of orange flowers, is one of the most spectacular. There is nowhere quite like the Mediterranean Biome to see such a variety so early in the season.

The burst of colour in the Mediterranean Biome heralds the return of Eden's spring festival, a compelling must-see event featuring more than a million flowers. This year’s festival will focus on bulbs and other spring flowers, celebrating the arrival of spring around the world as well as in Cornwall.

Showpieces this year will include a blue river of grape hyacinth sweeping across the link roof between the Rainforest and Mediterranean Biomes the two biggest conservatories in the world. To follow the early daffodils, well-established varieties such as Tete a tete, Carlton, Rosemoor Gold and Eden Gold will be on display in the outdoors.

March and April will see the arrival of magnificent tulip displays, including the signature of the season, a Technicolor display unaffected by the weather in the Mediterranean Biome's biggest bed, greeting visitors as they turn the first corner.

Gardeners can also take away a little piece of Eden by ordering bulbs in various colour combinations, including locally-sourced daffodils from Fentongollan Farm near Truro, Cornwall.

Log onto: www.edenproject.com for more information.